Barcelona approves loans of Iñaki Peña and Héctor Fort to Como after Hansi Flick’s decision

Barcelona are set to finalize the departures of goalkeeper Iñaki Peña and midfielder Héctor Fort on loan to Serie A side Como, following approval from head coach Hansi Flick. The move is part of the Catalan club’s efforts to balance finances and trim the squad after new arrivals this summer.

Barcelona focus on reducing payroll after new signings

Despite ongoing financial constraints, Barça have strengthened their squad for the 2025/26 season with the arrivals of goalkeeper Joan García, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji. With these additions confirmed, the club has shifted its attention to cutting costs and offloading players not in Flick’s plans, aiming to maintain financial stability ahead of the January transfer window.

According to La Vanguardia, Iñaki Peña and Héctor Fort are the first names to depart, with both expected to join Como in the coming days.

Iñaki Peña’s fallout with Flick

The decision follows months of tension between Peña and Flick. The goalkeeper was reportedly promised a starting role during Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury last season but was overlooked when the club signed veteran Wojciech Szczęsny, who took over as first-choice keeper.

Feeling sidelined and frustrated, Peña has been pushing for a move, and a loan to Como now offers him the chance for regular minutes in Serie A.

Héctor Fort also leaving on loan

Alongside Peña, La Masia talent Héctor Fort will also join Como. Both transfers are structured as season-long loans, allowing Barcelona to potentially recall the players in June 2026 if they are not permanently signed by the Italian club.